US Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) held a meeting with doctors to discuss the recent measles outbreak in Florida.
Florida recently reported 10 new measles cases, with most located in part of Representative Schultz’s congressional district Broward County.
Schultz explained her meeting was motivated by her desire to ensure "we all have correct information based on science and public health."
Measles is highly infectious and can be fatal for children who are unvaccinated against the illness.
“My thoughts are with the families and their children. They're contracted the virus and I desperately hope they don't fall very ill and have access to all the care that they need,” said Schultz.
Schultz was joined by Dr. Aileen Marty, an expert in infectious disease and disaster medicine and a professor at Florida International University.
“We really need to put a lid on this outbreak,” warned Dr. Marty.
Schultz encouraged Florida residents to “come together to ensure the virus can be rapidly contained.”
Marty underscored how unvaccinated individuals have a “90-95% chance of contracting measles if exposed to the virus.”
“One of the key things that people need to understand is that even before demonstrating symptoms, individuals with measles begin ‘shedding’ the virus four days prior,” continued Marty.
Florida’s measles vaccination rate for kindergarten-aged students was reportedly 91.7%, for the 2021-2022 school year.
Medical experts claim a 95% vaccination rate is the level needed to prevent community transmission of measles.
The recent uptick in measles cases has prompted criticism from some Democrats who claim Florida’s Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo is not doing enough to combat the disease.
Schultz called for Ladapo to resign over his current management of the measles outbreak.
Democratic Sen. Lori Berman said she had “significant problems” with Ladapo’s handling of the measles breakout.
Conversely, conservative lawmakers have defended Ladapo’s performance as the surgeon general, claiming they trust his medical repertoire and expertise.
